Sleeping Warrior Quest
Located near the shores of Lake Elmentaita, within the Soysambu Conservancy, is a group of hills, prominently known and named by their resemblance. Ugali Hill resembles the traditional Kenyan maize flour meal, Ugali, while the Sleeping Warrior resembles a man lying down on his back. Some locals believe that it is the bust of the late, great Maasai warrior, Oloibon.
The trail begins at the Lake Elementaita Park gate, with an initial 8 km trek on a dusty path along the shores of Lake Elmentaita. The hills and the lake are surrounded by beautiful marshland vegetation, home to buffalo and over 400 species of birds.
The hike accommodates hikers of all levels and can be comfortably completed on a day’s hike.
Short version: approximately 10km
Hike from the park gate to the Sleeping Warrior hill, ascend and trek to the finishing point. Most beginners and kids choose this option.
Medium version: approximately 12km
Hike from the park gate to the Sleeping Warrior hill, proceed to Ugali Hill, ascend and then take the steep slope to the finishing point.
Extended version: approximately 19km
Hike from the park gate to the Sleeping Warrior hill, proceed to Ugali Hill, and then go round the horse-shoe crater to get back to the finishing point.
There’s definitely something for everyone!
Sleeping Warrior Hike Distance and Stats
Distance: 10km, 12km, 19km options
Maximum Elevation Gain: 696m
Duration: 5-7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Beginner-friendly: Yes
Child-friendly: Yes, 7 years and above
Sleeping Warrior Hike Itinerary
4:45 a.m Meet up at International House Parking, City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
5:00 a.m Departure from International House Parking, City Hall Way
08:15 Arrival at Lake Elmentaita
08:45 a.m Hike Starts
03:00 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Itinerary Notes:
- Please be punctual; latecomers will be left behind and forfeit the entire amount paid up.
- Pickups should be requested by 10 a.m on the eve of the event. Pickup stops will be no longer than 5 minutes. Only pickup is guaranteed; drivers use the best route based on traffic conditions on the return commute.
- There will be no shopping stops during the commute. Please stock your supplies by the eve of the event.
- Please adhere to the set turn-back time (where applicable). Punctual departure for Nairobi means everyone gets back to Nairobi in good time.
Sleeping Warrior Hike Charges
Kenyan Citizens: 3,300/=
Kenyan Residents: 3,500/=
Self-drive: 2,000/= *** Bring a driver with you. This is a one-way trail.
Non-Residents: 3,700/=
How to Book the Sleeping Warrior Hike
Pay at least 2,050/= to Mpesa buy goods till 989985 and clear the balance before boarding.
Booking Notes:
- Reservation will be made on a first-pay-first-reserved basis.
- Your ticket gives you 5% off purchases from Outdoorer Shop until the end of the quarter. Proof of booking confirmation may be required.
From your ticket payment, Outdoorer guarantees:
- 10:1 hiker to community guide ratio -- because getting lost is never funny.
- Additional guidance and support from Outdoorer staff team (at least 4 per event).
- At least one skilled paramedic (up to 4 depending on the group size).
- Other ticket-includes as detailed below.
TICKET INCLUDES
- Transport from Nairobi and back
- Park fees & charges
- Armed ranger fees
- Guide services
- Paramedic services
- A liter of water (bring your reusable water bottle), glucose, and 4 fruits
PREPARING FOR THE HIKE
- Engage in active cardio exercises such as aerobics, walking, running, cycling, and swimming among others the week prior to the event.
- Set aside the day before the hike for resting -- take a break from exercises.
- Increase your hydration by at least two days to the hike.
- Purpose to get enough rest the night before the hike.
- Increase your carbohydrate intake two days before the hike. This helps boost your energy reserves. If on intermittent fasting or on a diet, take a break in the period one day before and after the hike.
- Cut your toe nails, please, cut your toe nails!
- Have a generous breakfast before stepping out of the house -- or at least 3 hours before the start of the event. This ensures that most of the food has been digested by the time you begin the hike, giving you the much-needed energy while ensuring your stomach is not too full for comfort.
- Use the bathroom before leaving the house. This avoids unnecessary bathroom breaks on the commute and during the hike.
- Set your mind up for conquering yourself. Hiking is 90% mindset, 10% physical preparation. Once you win the battle in your mind, everything else contributes less than 10%. You can do it!
Receive WhatsApp Group Updates
MUST CARRY
– Valid identification document
– Comfortable sneakers, hiking boots, or other appropriate shoes.
– Comfortable hiking clothes: quick-dry pants/shorts, quick-dry t-shirt, light jacket, and a baseball cap or sun hat. Jeans and cotton materials are highly not recommended.
– Snacks e.g lunchbar, crisps, nuts, dates, raisins, or fruits.
– Enough water (at least 2L)
– Raincoat or rain jacket and pants.
*** Note: Plastics are prohibited. Please carry your supplies and water in reusable containers.
Click here for a quick gear guide
OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED
- Marvin hat or baseball cap
- Sunscreen
- Hiking pole
CANCELLATION & REFUNDS POLICY
– Where cancellation is requested more than 48 hours before the event date, a 50% refund of the booking confirmation deposit will be issued. The excess paid above the booking confirmation deposit will be refunded in full.
– Where cancellation is requested 48 hours or less before the event date, no refund will be issued on the booking confirmation deposit. The excess paid above the booking confirmation deposit will be refunded in full.
– Latecomers and no-shows forfeit the entire amount paid up.
